Quota protesters block shuttle train to Chittagong University

Protesters have blocked the shuttle train to Chittagong University demanding a gazette abolishing the quotas in government jobs.

Students and job seekers blocked the Chittagong University-bound shuttle train on Monday morning at Sholosahar Rail Station as part of the strike called by the ‘Bangladesh Council to Protect General Students’ Rights’.

“Student protesters blocked the first shuttle train to the campus this morning. The second one has not set off from Battali Rail Station,” Md Shahabuddin, station master at Sholosahar Railway Station told bdnews24.com.

The protesters are demanding that the government quickly issue the gazette abolishing the quota system in government jobs. The prime minister had suggested the quota system be abolished a month ago.

They said the boycott at different educational institutions in Chattogram since Monday is a part of central protest programme.

At present, 56 percent of government jobs are secured for different quotas, 30 percent for children of freedom fighters, 10 percent for women, 10 percent for less-developed districts, 5 percent for small ethnic groups and 1 percent for people with disabilities.

The Bangladesh Council to Protect General Students’ Rights, the platform of the quota reform protesters, demanded a reduction in the quotas up to 10 percent and wanted job-seekers on the merit list be hired if people eligible for quota are unavailable.

Prime Minister Hasina on Apr 11 told parliament the quota system will be completely scrapped.

However, Central Joint Convener of The Bangladesh Council to Protect General Students’ Rights Nurul Haque Nur called strikes at all educational institutions from Monday to demand the government issue the gazette.